BJWSA issues boil-water advisory for Habersham

Officials are advising Habersham residents to boil their water before it is used for drinking, cooking or dishwashing because of a water main failure.

The Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority issued the precautionary boil-water advisory Thursday afternoon.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control requires utilities to issue boil-water advisories when an event occurs that allows the possibility for bacteria to enter the public water system.

BJWSA will retrieve drinking water samples after the line is repaired this afternoon to ensure that no harmful bacteria are present. Results are expected by late afternoon Friday. Residents will be notified when the advisory has been lifted.

Habersham residents and businesses are urged to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food and giving to pets until further notice.

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms that may be present in the water. Some water filters do not protect against bacteria, so customers with filters are advised to contact the manufacturer for more information or boil their tap water. The water is safe for bathing and doing laundry, BJWSA said.

For more information, including a map of addresses affected by the advisory, go to www.bjwsa.org.